Michael German Hosts Charity Exhibition

12.00.00am GMT Wed 19th Jan 2005

An exhibition by the Dystonia Society in Wales took place today at the National Assembly for Wales, which was hosted by Michael German, Assembly Member for South East Wales. The invitation to exhibit was extended last summer, when the Welsh Liberal Democrats and representatives from Dystonia Society met at the National Eisteddfod in Newport.

Michael German said: "I was more than happy to host the exhibition by the Dystonia Society in Wales. Even though Dystonia affects about 2,000 people in Wales and is the third most common movement disorder in the world, very few people know what it is. I hope the exhibition will help to increase public awareness of the condition."

Dystonia is a neurological disorder that causes involuntary sustained muscle spasms. These spasms can affect various parts of the body and cause abnormal movements and postures. Dystonia does not discriminate - it can affect anyone, at any age. Dystonia is one of the least known muscle disorders, though its impact on patients' quality of life is as severe Parkinson's Disease and MS. Dystonia can be difficult to diagnose and many patients remain untreated because their symptoms are unrecognised. and it is thought that there are more than 40,000 people in the UK with the disorder. At present, there is no known cure for the condition.

Dr Gill Wade, National Co-ordinator of the Dystonia Society in Wales, said: "Because Dystonia is not widely known, even amongst health officials, it is usually at the back of the queue with regards to funding. For example, there is currently no Specialist Centre in Wales for all types of Dystonia, therefore, to get diagnosis and treatment, patients usually have to travel to Liverpool, Birmingham, Bristol or London. We hope that by bringing Dystonia to the attention of Welsh Assembly Members, we can begin to improve treatment in Wales for this distressing condition and improve patients quality of life."

Notes: The Dystonia Society is a registered charity, which exists to support people who have any form of the neurological movement disorder known as Dystonia, and their families, through the promotion of awareness, research and welfare. The Dystonia Society in Wales can be contacted at King Building, 89 Lower Dock Street, Newport, South Wales, NP20 2AH. Telephone: 01663 840 140. E-mail: wales.dystonia@celtd.com